This course will provide an in depth examination of two of the major institutions that are involved in the American policy-making process: the Congress and the President. The student will learn about the Presidential, (as opposed to the parliamentary) model found in the United States. The course will focus on the complex relationship between the President and the Congress and how that relationship affects the public policy process, including the budgetary process. The course will include a discussion of the President's role as Chief Executive, and the implementation of congressional policies.

POLS101 - American Government

This is an examination of the basic principles that form the foundation for the structure and practice of American government. The impact of the political system on the citizen is explored along with the central assumptions and concepts that serve as the basis for the field of political science.

POLS307X - Campaigns & Elections

This course examines federal and state political campaigns and elections in the United States. Particular attention is given to the principles and practices of modern campaigns, including candidate selection, how campaigns are organized, developing a good strategy, and what is the best way to communicate a theme to the voters. The course will also look at how campaigns are financed and how technology transforms campaigns.

POLS208 - Contemporary International Relations

Basic concepts and major contemporary problems of international relations are examined in this course. Topics include the Middle East, East-West relations, deterrence versus disarmament, human rights, and developing countries. Throughout the semester, the local impact of national issues are discussed.

POLS202 - Issues in Contemporary Political Thought

This course is an interdisciplinary introduction to selected contemporary American political issues. The course is designed to create a deeper understanding and interest in these issues and develop students' capacities as citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. Its topics change frequently to keep up with the latest developments in the field. Throughout the semester, the local impact of national issues are discussed.

POLS320 - Policy Making & the Political Process

This course examines the dynamics of public policy-making in the United States at the national, state, and local levels. The course explores the factors influencing policy formation in a variety of areas: health, education, welfare, and urban planning. An analysis of how policy outcomes are evaluated is also covered.

POLS210 - Political Theory

In this course, central questions in political theory are addressed. What is justice? What is freedom? What is the state? What makes a government legitimate? Is there any general obligation to obey the state? The course also focuses on theories of modernity and communities, the evolution of liberalism and individualism, and the relationship between politics and economics. Readings range from the Greeks to modern thinkers. Prerequisite: ENG 102.

POLS211X - Politics & Culture of the Cold War

This course offers a comprehensive overview of the Cold War, from the end of World War II to the collapse of the Soviet Union. The course will focus primarily the Cold War’s effects on domestic policy and American society, especially in film and literature; as well as its effects on U.S. foreign policy in Europe, the Far East, and Central and South America

POLS201 - State & Local Government

This course begins with the constitutional and legal basis for state and local government. The functions of the executive and legislative branches are examined. Governmental bureaucracy and budgetary processes are studied as well as political parties, interest groups, public opinion, and political reporting in the press.

POLS303X - The American Presidency

This course offers a comprehensive overview of the American presidency from both historical and political perspectives. The course will be divided into 4 distinct segments: (1) Legal foundation of the executive branch of American government; (2) the evolution of presidential power and authority; (3) the presidential election process; and (4) the transfer of power and the transition of administrations. The major focus of the course will be the modern presidency, its power and limitations.

POLS302 - The Conspiracy in American Politics

This basis of this course will be an in- depth examination of various conspiracies in American Politics and Culture, beginning with the Salem Witch trials through the Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy, the Sacco & Vanzetti case and to the present day. More recent conspiracies include an examination of the JFK and RFK Assassinations, the Pentagon Papers case, the Watergate Conspiracy, the Iran/Contra scandal, Whitewater, the "Vast Right Wing Conspiracy," the World Trade Center bombing, the Oklahoma City Bombing, Bush/Gore 2000, Global Warming, and the 9/11 Investigation. The "Obama Birther" controversy will also be covered.